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Subjective response during continuous infusion of cocaine
K M Kumor1, M A Sherer, J Gomez
1National Institute on Drug Abuse, Addiction Research Center, Baltimore, MD 21224.
Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Continuous intravenous cocaine infusions maintained subjective drug effects, except for the initial "rush," which quickly subsided regardless of infusion type. This study clarifies cocaine
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Neuroscience
- Addiction Research
Background:
- The subjective effects of intravenous cocaine are complex and poorly understood in relation to plasma concentrations.
- Interpreting the relationship between cocaine administration and user experience is challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how continuous intravenous cocaine infusions affect subjective drug experiences compared to placebo infusions.
- To differentiate the impact of sustained cocaine levels from the acute effects of initial bolus injections.
Main Methods:
- A randomized, double-blind study involving seven cocaine-using volunteers.
- Comparison of cocaine bolus loading doses followed by 4-hour infusions (cocaine vs. placebo).
- Subjective effects were measured using self- and observer-rating scales.
Main Results:
- Most subjective measures remained elevated when the cocaine bolus was followed by a cocaine infusion.
- Subjective responses returned to baseline levels when the bolus was followed by a placebo infusion.
- Self-reported intensity of the cocaine "rush" was not significantly altered by the active cocaine infusions and rapidly returned to baseline.
Conclusions:
- Sustained intravenous cocaine infusions can maintain many subjective effects experienced by users.
- The acute cocaine "rush" is primarily associated with the initial bolus injection and is not prolonged by continuous infusions.
- Findings contribute to understanding the pharmacodynamics of intravenous cocaine use and its subjective effects.